27/02/2018

60,000 Tonnes Of Salt Ready For Roads As 'Beast From The East' Closes In

A total of 60,000 tonnes of salt are ready for roads in Northern Ireland as the 'Beast from the East' closes in.

A yellow weather warning is in place for heavy snow and temperatures are expected to plummet below zero from Wednesday, 28 February, to Friday.

Some schools may be closed and travel disruption is expected.

Around 300 staff and 130 gritters have been made available to salt the main roads, according to the Department for Infrastructure.

John Irvine, Director of Network Services, Department for Infrastructure, said: "With a warning for snow and ice currently in place and some disruption on our roads likely, the Department's winter service team is fully prepared. Farmers and contractors will be deployed as required for snow clearance."

Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Garrett is urging people to check on their elderly neighbours during the cold period.

He said: "Sinn Féin has been in contact with the Council to request additional supplies of grit are made available in communities.

"Council officers will also be meeting to focus on their response to the weather warning.

"We will also be in contact with Roads Service to ensure full priority is being given to public safety and to keeping main roads clear.

"Sinn Féin representatives will be monitoring this situation on a daily basis and our advice centres will be open if people wish to contact us for any assistance."

(CD/LM)

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